The Sun. — London, England, 1864-03-19 00:00:00

Just published, price 23. ORPUL E t in j N uC.E: Clts Diminution, and Cure, withoury to health. By JOHN HARVEY, M.D. Smith and (o , !2, Lon; -sere ; or from the Author, 6, Chat dos-street, Cave a dish- square. m ET ROP OLIT AN R AILWAY. -E ASTER HOLIDAYS. ADDITIONAL TRAINS will run between the CITY and PADDINGTON. SHAKSPERE SCHOOL OF THE ROYAL DRAMATIC COLLEGE. Under e rAtTOIIIIZe of her Most Gracious Majesty the QUEEN and his Royal Highness the PRINCE o WALES. The Council of the Royal Dramitio College, considering that the present is a favourable opportunity for promoting one of the main purposes of the Institution they have founded. beg to invite public support in aid of the E REC HON and EDOW-MTN T ot a SHAKSPERE SCHOOL for the ch,s,teal and general education, with scholarships, of the Clildren of Actors .1* Actresses and Dramatic Authors—the noblest and most fitting Monument to the memory of the Player and Poet. The Council of the Royal Dramatic College beg, to apprize the public, that all Subscriptions intended for the endow • ment of the Snakspere School should be paid only to the Master, New Theatre Royal Ado ph ; or to Messrs. Coutts, Bankers, Strand, London. A Public Meeting, will shortly be held in the Royal Adelphi, Theatre to advance this object, of which due notice will be given. Ladies, noblemen, gentlemen, and others interested in carrying out this design, are requested to communica,e with the undersigned BENJAMIN' WEBSTER, Master. Feb. 27, ISE4. Committee Room (open from 11 till 4), 411, Strand. Secretary, Mr. Tho r as Stuart. T HE NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE MEMORIAL BUST. By FELIX M. MILL ER, Professor of Sculpture, Gove ment School cf Art, published under the special sanct onof the National Shakespeare and Stratford-on-Avon Tercente nal), Committees, by HOWELL, JAMES, and CO. Copies will be issued, in the order of registration, to sub scribers only, and are executed in— Wedgwood Ceramic Statuary, 12 in. high, price One Guinea. F renc h Terra Cotta 15 ~ One Guinea. Three Guineas Bronze 8 Subscribers' names received by the agents in London and chief provincial towns (where copies of the Bust may be seen), or by the publisher, HOWELL, JAMES, and Co., Goldsmiths, Asa, By anpointment to the Queen and Prince and Princess of Wal3s, 5,7, and 9, REG-ENT-STREET, LONDON. Photographs and prospectuses forwarded post free on ap plication. QOllO ESTATE. HOUSE, AND GENERAL BUSINESS AGENCY OFFICES.—Persons requiring* Freehold or Leasehold Property, or having* Business and Houses to be disposel of, should apply to Mr. CHARLES MUttRAY, Auctioneer and Valuer, 2G, Gerrard-street, Soho. W. Valuations for Probate Administration, Fire Claims, Rail way Compensations, etc. Rents Collected. BENSON'S WATCHES, adapted for any climate and country. wholesale and retail. Chronometer, duplex, lever, horizontal, vertical, repe.ting, centre seconds, keyless, astronomical, reversible, and chronograph watches, from 200 to three guineas each. An illustrated pamphlet and price list of every description of watch post free for two stamps. J. W. BE:sTSON, by special warrant of appointment watch and clock maker to H.R. EL the ?rine?. of Wales. Manufac tory, 33 and 34, Ludgate-hill, E.C. IF THIS SHOULD MEET THE EY E of an y one troubled with Wind in the Stomach, indizestion, or Biliousness, take PAGE WOODCOCK'S WIND PILLS. Their world-wide celebrity proves them of sterling merit. Of all medicine vendors at is. lid. end 2s. 9d. ; or free by ost for 11 or 33 stamps from Page D. Woo dcock, Chemist Lincoln. 31rESSRS. BOTT, JACKSON, AND CO. A. execute COMMISSIONS on all races throughout the year. Market price guaranteed. Remittances. Lrndon and Westminster Bank. Post-office Orders payable at Camber well-park. Address—BoTT and JACKSON, "Man of the World" Wine tores, George-street, Camberwell-park, London. BONNET'S SILKS a LYON.—Every Article of commerce takes its title either from the inventor or manufacturer, and the more perfect the production the greater is the credit which attaches to the originator. BONNET'S SILKS are said to be incapable of identifica tion in England ; but the fallacy of such an assertion is ex pos .d by the very trade mark of the firm, as exhibited by Messrs. JAY, of Regent-street. The following interwoven mark may be seen at the end ofeach piece :—" Manufacture de C. J. Bonnet et Cie., a Lyon eta Injurieux." Wear guaranteed. ROYALCoEV T G - G L A R I D ES N i OPERA, Last Night of the Management of Miss Louisa Pyne and Mr. W. Harrison. THIS EVENING (their joint Benefit), I' RA DIAVOLO : Miss Louisa Pyne, Miss S. Fyne ; Messrs. H. Corr - 4 Weiss, and W. Harrison. Atter which, THE BEGGAR'S OPERA. To conclude with the National Anthem. Doors open at half-past Six—Commence at Seven. THEATRE ROYAL DRUR Y-L AN E. Managers, Messrs. Edmond Falconer and F. B. Chatterton. THIS EVENING, the Performances will commence with THE FOUrt 2.IOWBRAYS. Master Fercy Roselle. After which, THE MAN THE WORLD. S.r Perti flax, Mr. Phelps. To conclude with a new farce, THE AL X8A7.4 A. Mr. G. Belmore and Miss Lydia Thompson. Prices as usual. Box Office open from 10 till 5 daily. THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET.- Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr, Buckstone. THIS EVENING, THE LITTLE DAISY. After which, BUNKUM MULLER. Mr. Sothern. To be flowed by OUR AMERICAN COUSIN : Messrs. Sothern, Buckstone, Chippendale, Rogers, Clark, Gordon, Braid, &c. ; ;Mesdames Angel, Lindley, Hill, Harris, Snowden, And AN UNLUCKY MORTAL : Mr. W. Farren and Miss 31. Harris. Commence at 7. OYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.— JAI Sole Lesee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. THIS EVENING. PAUL'S RETURN. After which, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. The Two Dromios, by the Brother 3 Webb. And JACK'S ARRIVAL FROM CANTON. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Sole Management of Mr. Pechter. Last Three Nights before Easter. BEL DE SIONIO (a Triumphant Success) will be repeated Every Evening during the Week. THIS EVENING, the performance will commence with a New and Original Farce, entitled THE LOST CHILD : Messrs. H. Widdicombe, Shore, Garden, F. Charles Collett, Moreland; Misses Percy, Pauline Lealercq, Wood, Mrs. Lee, and Miss E. Lavenu. A kter which, at Eight o'clock, the 115th Night of BEL DE HON TO, a Love Story, in Twelve Tableaux, taken from Stendhal's "Italian Chronicle by Mr. John Brougham. Messrs. Jordan, Charles, Brougham, Emery, F. Martha, Raymond, Moreland, Smith, Clifford, Collett, Sims ; Miss Kate Terry, Miss lfl. Lavenu, Mrs. Lee, Hiss Elsworthy. The Public are entreated to take notice that No Charge is f.nade to the occupants of Boxes, Box-places, or Stalls, either toz play bills or for the safe keeping of hats and cloaks, and teat the attendants in all parts of the house are forbidden to receive any gratuities whatever. Box-office open daily from 11 to 3. Commence at 7. MR, FECHTER, in consequence of the accident he met with on Saturday night, and by the advice of his physicians, will be UNABLE to APPEAtt until Easter Monday, March 28, when he will resume his character of Angelo, in "Bel Dumonio." ENV THEATRE-ROYAL, ADELPHI.— sole Proprietor and Manager. Mr. B. Webster. THIS EVENING, THE PRETTY TIORSEBREAKER. Yr. J. L Took and .Miss Woolgar. &t Eight, LEAH . Miss Bate nan, supported by Messrs. A. Stirling, It. Phillips, Bilington, Stuart, Stephenson, hburne; Miss H. Simms, and Mrs. Billingtcn. To conclude with. 11th time, THE AREA BELLE : Messrs. J. L. Too.e, P. Bedford, Homer, Miss Woolgar, and Mrs. H Lewis. Commence at 7. MISS BATENIAN.—LEAH.—EVERY EVEN ' N - G.—THIS EVENING, the 145th and 14st night be fore Easter Monday. when Miss Batement will re-amear in her g reat impersonation of the Jewish meth n until further notice. In order ;o give due effect to this most remarkable sucvs4 of the se +sou, ea' ire,y new sc,nery by the celebrated artists Messrs. Danson and tons, and ThompsAi, and new dress s and appo ntments have bean prepare i for its produc tk°'L—N.R. In consequence of the pressing and numerous applications at the Box-offile, arrangements have now been made by which S ea ts m . y b 3 obtaine i a Fortnight in Ad vma.e. AIR. BENJAMIN WEBSTER in the DEAD Lut_ HEART, MONDAY NEXT, March 21. ROYAL ST. JAMES'S THEATRE. under the Management of Mr. B. WEBSTER. This Evening (SATURDAY) BENEFIT of Mr. and M rs . CHARLES MATHEWS, the highly successful new Com:lY, by Leicester Buckingham, Esq., entitled THE SI GV ER LINING : Mr. Charles Mathews, Mr. F. Robinson, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Montague Mrs. lliarles Mathews, Mrs. Frank Matthews, Miss Cottrell, Miss Wentworth, and Mrs. Af'er which, for this night only, ONE TO UC IT OF NATURE : Mr. Benjamin Webster, h:s first appearance at this Theatre. To conclude with, first time these 10 years, the Farce 01 Two IN E Molt : Mr. Charles Mathews, and Mr. Frank Matthews, his first appearance this season. Commence at 7. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE, Manazer, Mr. W. H. Swanborouqh. THIS EVENING, ON AND OFT. To bc follo , ,verl by UNLIMITED CONFIDENCE. Mr, Belford, Mr. Porsche ; Miss Marie Wilton, Miss Thorne. After which, the Grand Christmas 13nrlesque, ORPHEUS vspE LTßyori3E : Messrs. Honey, Woori, James Fenton, ;Mesdames Swanborough, Marie Wilton, Hughes, &c. Concluding with MARGATE SANDS. Commence at 7. in HE THIRD EDITION OF "THE suN,,, Containing. the L4e SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, Can be had Every Evennag gt of G. R. GLENIE, NEWS AGENT, Na. 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park. COALS. —The LILLESH ALL COMPANY'S COAL 9. Direct from their OM Collieries. I‘.tarirals' gtia. per ton. Double.. 219. per ton. T0p...... . 25s- Nuts... • 193. 0 Deep ...... ..... 04 8. 7 Well screened and delivered within five miles of their De pots, Westbourne Park-road, W., anti 17. South Wharf, !Addington, vir. Beet C0ke........,. 1i . per chuldron. Terms cash. JOILN SCOII, Sole Agent The Weather—Sun Office, March 19, 1864, THERMOMETER. This dayZat Two o'clock Barometer-30.05. Wind—East; light breeze, and very fine. airgnjh LONDON, SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 1864. Lord PAL3IERSTON, apparently, will• insist upon bearing the whole brunt of it—meaning, that is, the whole of the disgrace consequent upon this hor rible scandal about Mr. STANSFELD and M. MAz ZINI. It is about the most mistaken act of fancied chivalry that perhaps ever was heard of. How ever, Lord PALMERSTON will have it so to be—and, therefore, so be it. Ha has 'chosen his bed— and he must lie upon it. Mr. STANSFZLD, it appears, did tender his resignation, as, indeed, it was only decent and proper that he should have done. The Prime Minister him- self tells us, indeed, tells the House of Commons last evening, that Mr. STANSFELD so tendered it. But —upon his own deliberate responsibility—the vete ran leader of the Government declined to avail him- self of the proffered resignation. "My answer was," said Lord PALMERSTON last evening, "that I did Lot wish him to take that step, that I wished him not to do so, and if any responsibility attaches to that decision," said thenoble lord, in conclusion, " I am perfectly willing to take the responsibility upon myself." Whereupon there were loud Minis- serial cheers. It sounds chivalrous. It seems almost a fine, plucky thing for the old man to have done. We believe it, however, to be the greatest mistake of his whole public life. It is worse than a crime —it is (we repeat it) a mistake. It will be a very long while indeed, not only before Lord PAL- MERSTON, the oldest, and Mr. STANSFELD, the youngest among all the members of the Adminis tration, but before the whole of the Administration generally, as a body, are likely to hear the last of it. It will stick to the Cabinet as worse than a burr, it will cling to them like a taint. It will militate against their popularity and poison their reputation. The public will not easily lose the recollection of Mr. STANSFELD'S shameful panegyric upon a suborner of assassins, upon the man who gave the I,ooof. and the dagger with the lapis lazuli handle to MARRIOTI, otherwise GALENGA—that moral dagger which was to have effected the murder of King CHARLES ALBERT. Englishmen generally are not likely either to lose the remembrance of the fact that the accuracy of the astounding accusation made by the Procureur-imperial, was distinctly admitted by Mr. STANSFELD upon severe cross-questioning, when at the very last he found it utterly impossible to escape from the reluctant acknowledgment—that letters intended for MAZ ZINI were sent through the post to, and received at Mr. STANSFELD'S private residence, 35, Tharloe square, letters directed to MAZZINI under the name of Fiore, otherwise, in plain English, " Flower 1" Thanks to this member of the English House of Commons, thanks to this member of the British Government, MAIIINI was (as the Procureur Im perial had said quite accurately) enabled to keep up his communications with his infamous correspondents. When the right hon gentleman the Leader of the Opposition was re ferring the night before last to this indisputable fact to this admitted and clearly demonstrated truth Mr, STANSFELD himself rashly interjected the inquiry (with a sort of indignation in his very manner of putting it)—" What Correspondents?" He had far better have held his peace. For—what was the instant reply of Mr. DISRAELI—upon the spur of the moment—suddenly, when thus interrupted ? " What correspondents exclaimed the member for Bucks. "You know them better than I do, I suppose. (Loud cheers.) ' What correspondents P' says the hon. member for Halifax. Why, the assassins of Europe. (Cheers.) What correspondents ?' says the hon. member for Hali• fax? Why, the advocates of anarchy throughout the Continent. (Renewed cheers.) What cor respondents ?' says the bon. member for Halifax. Why, the men who point their poniards at the breast of our ally." (Continued cheering.) Yet it is of a man, like MAZZINI, who (during ali these years that Mr. STANSFELD has known him so intimately) has been cherishing precisely that class of correspondents, that the member for Halifax can have the consummate hardihood to speak in terms of eulogium the most extravagant and audacious! And not only was it thus with the member for Halifax, bat it was thus, the night before last, with that peerless patriot the member for Birmingham, and with that highly moral and conscientious statesman the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Speaking of this amiable MAZZINI, him of the "lapis lazuli" dagger (we beg par don of the " moral" dagger) the adviser of GRECO and GALENG A Mr. BRIGHT had the astounding effrontery to speak as follows :—" I believe," he said, " there is no man acquainted with MAZZINI who will not say that so far as can ba divined from his character, from per sonal association with him, he is a man of profound devotion—[An hon. Member—' To the dagger ']— it may be not to the principles of the hon. gentleman who speaks [Principles ! Mr. BRIGHT means Daggers!l bat to the principle of the unity and independence of Italy. Moreover, every man who has associated with him will admit he is a man of powerful and fascinating cha racter, that he obtains over those with whom he associates a singular influence ( - very singular!] —and that there are few persons who have ever been acquainted with him personally who would not, apart from these special questions we are now discussing—[An Hon. Member—' Of the dagger'] (cheers)—express for him the highest esteem and admiration. (" Oh, oh.") And well, indeed, might some voices exclaim with horror in the British House of Commons at observations so entirely opposed to all our notions of right feeling or even of deco rum ! But—while Mr. BRIGHT could talk thus mealy-mouthed about AlAzzisti-of-the-Daggers Mr. GLADSTONE could actually talk of the same Notorious Conspirator thus :—" I am bound to say that I never knew one of those men (he is speaking of those w h om h e h as been accustomed to look upon as authorities in It a lian politics) who did not regard M AZZINI as a person of great talents and a man of perfect truth and integrity. That is an important paint in the present discussion [very !] and therefore, until the contrary is shown to be the case, I shall assume that 111. illazzini is to he believed onhis word! , Bravo ! Mr. GLADSTONE, there is nothing like sticking to it—just as Mr. STANSFELD, " the youngest" of oar Administrators (the ingenuous youth!) sticks it—just es Lord PALMERSTON, " the oldest" of them (old enough we should have thought to know better!) sticks to it, And so—as' the upshot of it all—a sort of a dreadful Mezzinian flavour clings somehow to the Administration. It is very satisfactory that the Messrs. LAIRD should have published their correspondence with the Government. It was e. very extra rdinary pro ceedinn on the part of the Ministe:•s to refuse to produce the papers themselves; bat really they seem to think that it is the beet thing ney :An do to TIM SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 19, 18M. refuse everything that is asked for, and, if not quite possible to do that, to delay for au indefinite period, and thus spoil all the grace of the gift and prevent the required information from being of much ser- vice to the parties concerned. The notion of con senting to produce the correspondence with America but not with the Messrs. LAIRD was perfectly absurd, and if anything could increase the odium which attaches itself to the Government for their conduct throughout the whole of this affair, it would be such want of common courtesy, such extreme reticence, and such overweening self-assumption. At ali events their plans are so far frustrated, and no one need now remain in ignorance of the trans actions which have from first t') last engaged so much attention, and awakened such natural interest and excitement. A few years back, had a sketch of these proceedings been traced, how it would have been been scouted, reviled at, and declared fallacious in the extreme, that Ministers of England should treat the honourable and respected subjects of the realm with a brusquerio and a want of common 'airness which has seldom been equalled in this country ; and to obtain a parallel we must seek among the arbitrary enactments of despotic powers. As if it was not enough:to notify that Government ,hought it necessary to detain the vessels until due : . inquiries had been made concerning them, and the most substantial proofs afforded of their ultimate destination, and as if the real object of all this fearful confusion and intense commotion could not have been as effectually gained by the adoption of more calm, rational, and dignified proceedings. Again, it was a most monstrous thing for Minis- tars to doubt the good faith, and question the validity of the assertions made by the Messrs. LAIRD, than whom none in the land bears a higher character for commercial uprightness and integrity. The excuse pat forth, that had he El Tolleson been allowed to take the trio ; trip she would never have returned, was a very sneaking way of getting off a promise, and diplayed a shuiling and a hesitation totally un- suitable for the occasion. Yet it is constantly wit. nessed that when men in any rank of life and phase of condition undertake to do underhand work, they become insensibly imbued with the feeling that actuates those accustomed to such actions, and well versed in the details of subter fuge. It is a crowning proof that Ministers had really no faith in the justice of their cause when they interposed delay upon delay, lost time when it was professed that the affair was a most momen tous one, and are now, at the expiration of six months from the seizure, scarcely in a more forward state as regards any definite conclusion. It was exposed the other evening in the House how it was not till the eve of Parliament that information was filed against the suspected vessels, and this circumstance alone is quite conclusive evidence alike of disingenuousness and pertinacity. It is almost to be wondered at that Ministers have not heard more of their disgraceful conduct in respect to their treatment of Messrs. LAIRD, and of their unwarrantable trifling with the case. If there was a shadow of foundation for their suspicions, why not seek to verify them in the face of day and in the sight of man ? Why not make an example of the offenders and bring them to condign punish- ment. This would have been the proper course to have chosen ; it would have intimidated others from following in their pernicious ways; it would have been a good assurance to foreign States that no prejudice or partiality for fellow-countrymen would militate against furthering the aids of jus tice, and honourably maintaining the rights of nations. Though dealing a hard measure, still, had the Government chosen to pursue this open line of action, many might have gainsaid their policy, but few could have questioned their motives, and none dared to have doubted their sincerity. It is not too much to say that the Ministers feared to face the decision of that law which they declared to have been infringed in its statutes and violated in its principles. The ends of the earth might have received the tidings of the steam rams in the Mersey, before any definite or decided steps had been taken. The object of all these frivolous pre. texts is very plain, and the purpose of the intoler able delay but too transparent. The session must be tided over, and then all the rest can easily be managed. Ministers are tri2ing with the temper and defying the. opinion of the nation with an effrontery that past days of intolerance and corrup tion could not have surpassed ; but when the Rubi con has been passed, when patience is exhausted and hope becomes extinct, all these secondary causes of irritation, these minor aggravations, will assume a double force, and appear as fatal evidence against them. Buoyed up by success and inflated with pride of place and power, men may do very much as they please for a while, bat when the pleasant time is past, and the sunshine of official existence fades away into the cold shade of opposi tion, their errors are brought to light which have been chronicled with jealous care against the evil day of failure. Amid the long array of defalca tions, mismanagement, and blunders, which disgrace the annals of the PALMERSTON Cabinet, the episode of the steam rams of the Mersey wiil occupy a dis. tinguished place and cast a dark shadow around. Long may it be before we find this conduct re peated in our Statesmen, these insults heaped upon our merchants, this discredit affixed to our country. It was not many years ago that it was considered that the famous Civis .Ronzunus Sum was not more potent as a protection than the fact of belonging to this country. But those days will soon be for ever past if the present foreign policy prevails. It may be questioned if many other nations are not supe• rior in their outward attitude, however inferior their home arrangements may be. For the sake of consistency, for the love Of truth, and for the fear of ridicule, let not those who have made themselves conspicuous in such affairs as those certified in the correspondence here tinnied to again venture to accuse their opponents of making the " humiliation and degradation of their country a stepping-stone to office," The frequent cases of starvation which have occurred recently in the metropolis have naturally engaged attention, and some wise suggestions have been made upon the subject by several persons who have studied the matter. There is a letter to the 7inzes of yesterday, which seems to present some of the best ideas on the question that have yet been published. The writer very properly alludes ti, the faulty system of rating which prevails, and cites several instances to prove the evils that result therefrom, and the great inconveniences that are thus engendered. It seems strange, indeed, that more has not been said before on this topic, and that more attention has not been paid by the proper authorities to so very important a subject. One of the best proofs that can be adduced is given in the letter alluded to above, that is that the most numerous deaths always occur in the parishes that are rated the heaviest. Why an equalised rate all over London is not immediately effected it is im possible to understand, and it is an imperative duty on the part of the Government that they should institute inquiries and make investigations for the purpose of certifying as to the necessity that exist& :or this remedial measure being promptly inaugu rated. It is a cruelty to the poor, and an injustice to the ratepayets in the over-burdened diktrictE, and, in fact, the present mode of procedure militates in so many ways against the well-being of the com munity that all who have the best interests of society at heart can hardly fail to lend their aid and co-operate with those who propose any plan for the adjustment of this social grievance. It seems strange that not one among the philana thropic members of the Legislature has taken up this question, and thus afforded the misin formed or ignorant an opportunity of joining their forces and exerting their influence to gain this inestimable advantage. In this letter we find that mention is made of the time at which distress prevails to the greatest extent. During the winter months it is of course on the increase, and becomes urgent by Christmas; it then extends over the inter vening months till March, and afterwards gradually lessens. The writer proposes that an increased allowance be made to the poor during this period of severe distress—'his to be effected without in creasing the rates by modifying the ratio afforded in the summer. There is great sense in this pro posal, and one that may well come under considera- tion. Indeed the proposition has so much to recom mend it that it seems singular that it should not before have suggested itself to some who studied the case in all its bearings. As it is well put here, " every housekeeper knows that people require more food in winter, more coals, more clothing, in fact more bodily support in every way than they do in summer, and yet little or no notice is taken of the fact in the regulations of the Poor Law Board or of the guardians in the several unions." A little forethought and proper precautions in these matters may work wonders, and while some one despairing of ever effecting any radical change for the better, the introduction of a very simple change may, in the course of time, tend to remove the obstacles that seem insurmountable. It stands to reason that the destitute must stand in need of nearly double the amount of out-door relief in the inclement weather, and yet the wise ones who preside over such matters have so decreed affairs that .he help is precisely the same. Surely it is possible that before another winter this admirable plan may be put in force, and thus the poor distressed may no longer pine in want and indigence, but have at least welcome, if small, ad dition to their support. Nothing can extenuate the negligence of those who have allowed the whole system of parish rates to fall into the state in which they now are; and if through prejudice or narrow views they persist in checking the projects of re form and adhering to the old abuses, the disasters and deaths that occur will lie at their doors. When the lives of fellow creatures are at stake, it is piti ful to find authorities so bigoted to their own im pressions, and officials so prone to be obdurate, and always to prefer measures to men. There has been no lack of evidence to show that most comprehen sive changes are imperatively called for; and the most hard and prosaical political economist can hardly defend a system which has for its results such sad and direful casualties. It is sad to reflect upon the vast amount of misery that is endured be fore a remedy is introduced in these parochial affairs; and it is urgently to be trusted that some decided steps will be taken before long to settle this much-talked of question of parish rates. This cannot now be considered any longer in the shape of a monetary grievance to be diacussed at leisure, or a political measure that can be settled at any time; but the subject is one that aft-,cts the vital concerns of the community, and the best interests of humanity are at stake. It is not too much, then, to expect those qualified to aid in the good work to be up and doing with a strong will and a steadfast purpose. The Oxford and Cambridge Billiard Match, The first of "the events" came off last evening, viz., the four• handed billiard match between the chosen " champions of the board of green cloth," At eight o'clock play began, Messrs. Payne and Home representing Cambridge, and Messrs. Starkey and Hobbs pleying for Oxford. The game was 500 up, Cambridge playing first, and giving a miss, Mr. Hobbs followed, and did likewise. Payne followed suit, and then Staid - eel made a pretty break of 14, including some neat cannons, They alternately scored a few t.ll the game was cal led 12 29, when 2 to 1 was laid on Oxford • They all played badly, but the Cambridge side got a little the best of it, Mr. Home commencing some beautiful cannons, which he continued to play throughout the evening. When the game was 29 to 39, and, as Cambridge commenced, we will give their score first throughout. Mr. Starkey increased the advantage to 45, when Mr. Horne got the first decent break, numbering 17, Hobbs then added a few, and, after the other players had had another turn, Payne carried the game up to 58 all. A miss having been given, Horne made the Cambridge score 10 a-head, a fluke assisting him, and again made some beautiful cannons when it came to his turn increasing the majority for the Light Blue, the numbers being 93 to 81. Up to this time the odds had been 2to 1 and 6 to 4 on Oxford (taken) ; but £5 even on Cambridge became current. Horne passed the 100, and get up to 118 92; and, assisted by his partner, went still further ahead, the marker calling 140 105. Mr. Home, who did the lion's share, had a nice break for 22, including a beautiful "jenny," and a lucky red hazard, his total being 162 ; and Mr. Hobbs, on the part of Oxford, picked up 129, Each adding somewhat, they continued to score, the Cam bridge representatives steadily increasing their advantage until the game was called 210 164 (5 to 4 on Cambridge taken). Starkey, from whom great things had been ex pected, played beautifully for 25, but Horne, determined to be with him, neatly added 17 to the Cambridge lot. With out any notable additions in number, but realised by the beautiful cannons made by Horne, the brilliant hazards made by Starkey, the rapid scoring of Payne, and the judgment and careful play shown by Hobbs, the game pro ceeded until 253 223 WAS announced, the Oxford having slightly diminished their opponents' lead. Careful play was the order of their going, and it resulted to the benefit of Cambridge, who again crept on and on until they made their majority 40 when they passed the third hundred, which Mr. Payne did in a pretty break of a dozen, the score then being 307 267. Again Horne went on, and added 10, and so did his antagonists, and when they added 7 he added 12 more, so that the figures became 329 to 279. This majority of 50 raised the hopes of the light blue, and Payne's ad dition of some more rattling hazards put them into a majority of 60. With very little variation the game continued, Mr. Starkey playing unluckily, and Mr, Hobbs, although making some good strokes, failing to continue an opening successfully whin he had one. Mr. Payne having con tributed 24, the marker called 355 290, and 2 to 1 was offered, but 3to 1 wanted. As the game proceeded, the Oxford men fell still farther astern, until Mr. Starkey seemed to recover his form and reduced the majority to 50. At this period both sides played rather fast, Mr. Payne and Mr. IStarkey especially, and when the first-named gentleman passed the four-hundredth point 70 ahead, he was loudly cheered, and 3to 1 was offered on Cambridge. From that point up to 422 365 nothing of especial notice occurred, but the Oxford players recovered themselves, and when the masker annnounced 427 377 Starkey had the cue, and 4 to 1, which was offered on Cambridge, was taken. From then to the end of the game the match was intensely exciting. Gradually but surely the Oxford players re covered their lost ground, Mr. Hobbs especially playing with great care, while Mr. Home on the part of Cam bridge, it must be said, certainly fell off somewhat. At 475 426 the interest was very great , and Mr. Starkey playedarty ,and at 48 with a 54 brilliancy 4 9 h ehadthat a chance revivedat the the redwhich hop es of his party, it required a Roberts to make use of, and his letting his opponents in (in a different sense to what the champion would have done) was not surprising. Each player missed many easy strokes, and the merriment that arose from flukes being designated as flee play, and similar exhibitions of University wit—always, be it observed, at the presumed expense of an anta;;onist—was exceedingly amusing. The players themselves were very anxious, Oxford to win a game if po:eible " out of the fire," and Cambridge to score the first of three events out of the week. The dark blue, however, had too far to go; the counsels of Starkey failed to endue Hobbs with a due capacity of performance, the red was left over the middle pocket, and Payne made a brilliant hazard, and doing ditto in the top pocket, game was ca.,ed, the score standing at the finish Cambridge Oxford The shouts of approbation that greeted the victors be tokened the generosity of their opponents, and with what amount of applause victory would have been 'received by the Oxonians those who know their capabilities can judge. The Cambridge men were of courzie delighted at their vic tory, and it is no disparagement to Mr. Payne's invariable fine play to s-ly that his opponent carried off the laurels of the evening. _ _ The Siuile Batch will be played this eyenirg, LATEST INTELLIGENCE. (REITTER'S TELEGRAMS.) ST. PETERSBURG, MARCH 19. The Bank of St. Petersburg has reduced its rate of discount to 5,1 per cent. on bills at three months, and to 6 per cent. on bills at six months, and ad• vances on goods and securities. PARIS, MARCH 19. The Duke of Saxe Coburg had an audience of the Emperor and Empress yesterday, in order to take leave. The Constztutionnel of to-day announces that M. Frederic Levy has decided upon becoming a candi date at the election for the sth District of Paris. ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE PRUSSIANS AND THE DANES. SONDERBURG, MARcti 17, 10 P.M. A severe engagement took place yesterday along the whole line of the Duppel forts. Early in the morning the Danes reconnoitred the Prussian right wing. Later in the day large masses of Prussians attacked the Danish centre and right wing, and at the same time a violent fire was opened upon the left wing from the Broager batteries. One en trenchment alone received 250 projectiles. The Danish works took an active part in the engage ment, which lasted until the evening. The hardest fighting occurred near Avembjerg and the village of Duppel ; the latter being held by the Prussians. Several villages were burnt. The Broager batteries did only slight damage to the Danish works, all of which are still fit for service. The Danish loss was not inconsiderable, while that of the Prussians was probably greater, as many shells burst in the midst of their columns. Four regiments were engaged in the action. THE BOMBARDMENT OF DUFFEL, COPENHAGEN, MARCH 17, 9 P.M. A report of the Commander-in-Chief to the Minister of War, published here to-day, states that the batteries of the enemy stationed at Broager opened fire yesterday at 10 a.m. on the Duppel en trenchments. The bombardment lasted till 3 p.m. The enemy fired altogether 500 shots. We replied occasionally in all 35 times. Our firing seemed to be successful, as two of the enemy's batteries were silenced for some time. Oar materiel has not been injured, but our losses in men were not inconsider able, owing to an unfortunate explosion. We have 2 officers killed and 49 wounded, 16 privates killed and 119 wounded. A large force of the enemy's infantry, with 2 guns, was hurled against our right wing. They attacked Ragebol, but speedily with drew. The same report says :—" On Monday night 600 Prussians. covered by two batteries planted on the Holateic coast, passed over in fishing boats to the island of Fenleren, where they captured the gar rison, consisting of 90 men. An iron transport ship was abandoned, but was retaken frcm the enemy, by our gunboats on Taebday. The commandant at Fredericia reports that the enemy approached the fortress yesterday at various points, probably to reconnoitre our positions. Our foremost works were fired upon by the enemy's artillery. THE BOMBAY MAIL. The following telegram has been received at Mr. Renter's office from the Peninsular and Orients Steam Navigation Company : MALTA, March 17. The Vectis and Dalhi leave at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m this day. The former may be expected at Marseilles on the 20th, the latter at Southampton about the 26th inst. The Malta brought the mail to Suez, arriving there on the 13th (correct date). OUTWARD MAIL OF 20TH AND 26TH JANUARY. The Carnatic reached Madras on the 24th o February. The China and Bombay left Galle on the 21st xi for Hong Kong and Sydney respectively. MAID TS—This Day. COVENT GARDEN. Oar market is seasonably supplied with fruit and vege tables. There *is a fair business doing at the annexed quotations, FRUIT. S. d. s d Mulberries,prpt..o oto 0 0 Cherries, per lb. 0 oto 0 0 Foreign ditto, TARO oto 0 0 Filberts, per lb .. 2 oto 2 8 Walnuts, per 100 1 oto 2 0 Cobnuts, per lb .. 0 oto 0 0 Almonds, per bus 0 oto 0 0 Figs, per doz. .... 0 oto 0 0 Peaches.... Currants, per hsv 0 oto 0 0 Plums, per du. .. 0 oto 0 0 Greengages, pr do. 0 oto 0 0 S. d. s. d. Pine apples 8 oto 10 0 Colonial do., each 0 oto 0 0 Grapes,per lb 6 0 to i 2 0 Foreign do 1 6to 2 6 Melons 0 oto 0 0 Nectarines, per dz 0 oto 0 0 Apples, per hf -sv. 2 6to 4 0 Pears, per do Oranges, per 100..3 6to 8 0 Lemons, per 100 3 6to 7 0 Gooseberries hf sveo oto 0 0 Strawberries pr pt 0 oto 0 0 VEGETABLES. Greens, dz bunch 5 oto 6 0 1 Shallots, per lb .. 0 oto 0 0 Cabbages, pr doz 0 10 to 1 6 i Horseradish, pdn 1 oto 2 0 Raid ditto 0 oto 0 0) Parsley, per ditto 0 oto 0 0 Savoy do., pr dz 0 10 to 1 61 Celery, per ditto 1 oto 1 6 Cauliflowers, pdz 1 oto 3 01 Beet, per doz. .. 0 oto 0 0 Brocoli, per bus. 0 Bto 1 0 1 Parsnips, per do. 0 oto 0 0 Potatoes, per ton 60 oto 95 01 Small salad, p. pn, 0 oto 0 0 New ditto, pr pt ..1 oto 0 01 Mushrooms. p pt. 0 9to 1 3 Turnips, dz bunch 2 6to 3 6) Artichokes, each 0 oto 0 0 Carrots,pr do 4 6to 5 6 ) Cos lett, score .. 0 oto 0 0 Cucumbers 0 oto 0 0\ Mint and savory.. 0 oto 0 0 Garlic, per lb Sorrel, per sieve 0 oto 0 0 Radishes, dz hnds 0 oto 0 0 Green peas, n.-sv. 0 oto 0 0 Tomatoes, doz... 0 oto 0 0 il'rench heans,h.s. 0 oto 0 0 Chillies, per ditto 0 oto 0 0 Onions, doz. bn.. 2 to 2 6 Capsicums, per do 0 oto 0 0 New Do., dz bun 0 oto 0 01 Rhubarb, per bun 0 9to 1 6 Spinach 0 oto 0 01 Asparagus, pr do. 0 oto 0 0 Brussels sprouts 1 9to 2 6 Seakale, per bun. 1 oto 2 6 POULTRY. Turkeys, 4s Od to 8s Od; geese, 5s Od to 7s Od each; goslings, 6s to 8s Od; ducks, 48 Od to 5s 6d; ducklings, 4s Od to 5s 04; rabbits, is 3d to is 9d each; wild do., Is to is 2d ; pigeons, Os 6d to Os 94 each; Surrey fowls, lOs Od to 14s Od ; chickens, Os Od to 8s Od; barn-door fowls, 3s Od to 6s 6d ; capons, Os Od ; hares, 2s 6d to 3s 04 ; ptarmigan, is 3d to is 9d each; pheasants, Os to Os Od ; partridges,Os Od to Os Od ; woodcocks, 3s to Os Od; snipes, 9d to is ()d; teal, is 3d to Os Od ; wild ducks, is 9d to Os Od ; widgeons, is Od to Os Od ; plovers, Os 6d to Os 104 each ; guinea fowls, 6s Od to 6s 6d ; roasting pigs, Os Od to Os Od each; Ostend fresh butter, Os lld to is 14 ; English, is ld to is 3d per lb ; English eggs, 7s Od to 10s Od ; French do., 5s Od to 9s Od per 100 ; leverets, 3s Od to 3s 6d ; grouse, Os 04 to Os Od. BILLINGSGATE. Salmon, 18 6d to Is 10d ; trout, Od to Os ; eels, bd to 10d ; prawns, Os ; pike, skate, sturgeon, and halibut, 6d per lb. ; turbots, 5s Od to 15s ; cod, 2s Od to 108 Od ; brills, 2s Od to 68 Od ; doreys, 5s 0d to 5s 6d ; mullets, Os 6d to is 6d ; lobsters, is to 3s Od; crabs, 6d to 2s 6d ; plaice and gurnets, Od to Os Od each; soles, 3d to 3s Od per pair; common oysters, 188 to 24s ; natives, 65s to 703 per bushel ; whitings. 2s Od to 6s • haddocks, 65 to 9s ; smelts, Os Od to Os Od ; flounders, Os Od per dozen ; mackerel, Os per 100 ; fresh herrings, 7s to 8s per 100; bloaters, Os to Os per 100; carp and tench, Os Od to Oa per brace. NEWPORT. Beef, from 3s 2d to 4s 4d; mutton, 38 8d to 4s 8d; lamb, Os Od to Os Od; veal, 4s 2d to 48 10d ; and pork, 38 6d to 4s Gd per Sibs, by the carcase. WHITECHAPEL. Beef, from 3s 4d to 4s 4d ; mutton, 3s 8d to 43 6d; veal, 4s 2d to 4s ; and pork, 3s 2d to 45 6d per 81bs by the carcase. BREAD. The prices of wheaten bread in the metropolis are from 6id to 7d, of household do., 5d to 6d per 41b loaf. HIDES AND SKINS. Market hides, 561 b to 641 b, 21d to 3d ; 641 b to 721 b, 3d to 31d ; 721 b to 801 b, 3d to 31d ; 801 b to 881 b, 31d to 4d ; 881 b to 961 b, 31d to 41d ; 961 b to 1041 b, 4d to 41d ; 1041 b to 1121b,—d to —d. Horse hides, lOs Od to Ils Od ; calf skins, light, 2s Od to 4s Od ; full, 7s 6d to Os Od ; polled sheep, lis Od to 14s Od ; half. breds, lOs Od to 12s fid ; Downs, 8s Od to lOs Od; lambs, Os Od to Os Od; sheatlings, la 8d to is 9d. HAY MARKETS. .SMITHFIELD.—Meadow hay, £3 Os to f. 4 10s Od ; clover, El Os to £5 lOs Od ; and straw, £1 2s to £1 10s per load. A slow trade. OTIMBERLAND..—IIeaiow hay, £3 Os to £4 los Od ; clover ; £4 Os to £5 108 Od; and straw, £1 4s to £1 lOs per load. Demand inactive. WHITECHATEL —Meadow hay, £3 Os to £4loa ; clover, £4 Os to £5 10s Od ; and straw, 2s to lOs per load. Supply tolerably good. The trial of Walsh at the Waterford assizes was concluded on Wednesday, and resulted in a verdict of wilful murder. Sentence of death was passed, the prisoner, how ;.7zr, protesting his innocence. SPORTING I. F,---This Day, CITY BETTING.—TEIs DAY. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STAKES. 100 to 12 agst Lord Zetland (taken) 11 to 1 agst Wingrave (taken) 11 to 1 agst Gardener (taken) 12 to 1 agst Dollar (taken) 12 to 1 agst Llithfield (taken) 14 to 1 agst Costa (taken) 1:5 to 1 agst Touch and Go (taken) 16 to 1 agst Lioness (taken) 16 to 1 agst Fairwater (taken) 20 to 1 agst Countersign (taken) 25 to 1 agst Flash in the Pan (taken) TWO THOUSAND GUINEAS. 100 to 15 agst Cambuscan (taken) 16 to 1 agst Hollyfox (taken) THE DERBY. to 1 agst Cambuscan (taken) SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, WARWICK SPRING MEETING.—FRIDAY. The Union Cup of 40 sovs for horses not thorough-bred that have been regularly hunted ; 12st each, with maiden allowances. Gentlemen riders; jockeys 51b extra. Two miles on the flat. 13 subs. Mr J. Cannon's Dauntless (late Elcot Lass) 12st (Mr. F. Loton) 1 Mr W, R. Couri's Vivandiere, 6 yrs, 12st (Owner) 2 The following also ran Prophet, Moorhen, Yeoman, and Redpole. Betting—Even on Vivandiere, 6 to 4 agst Dauntless, and 8 to 1 agst any other. Dauntless, followed by Moorhen, Prophet, the favourite, and Redpele, was the first away ; they came past the stand in Indian file, but halfway up the hill Vivandiere ran past her horses and became second, followed by Redpole, in which way they entered the meadows. At the milepost Redpole was disposed of, leaving the two leaders to finish the race home. Dauntless held her own to the end, ono won easily by two lengths. Nothing else passed the post. A Scurry Handicap of 10 soya each, h ft. Gentlemen riders; professionals 71b extra. Winners extra. Three quarters of a mile. Six subs. Mr Mansfield's Damascus, 6 yrs, list 121 b (Mr Coventry) 1 Mr Cherry's Disappointment, 5 yrs, lOst 101 b • . (Owner) 2 Mr C. P. Hudson's Tolurno, 5 yrs, lOst 101 b (Mr Edwards) 3 Mr Jenning's Bright Cloud, 4 yrs, lOst 31b .... (Owner) 4 Mr Tarling's Le Marechal, 4 yrs, 13st 31b (inc 7th extra) (Cox) 5 Betting-6 to 4 agst Tolurno, 2to 1 agst Damascus. Damascus made play, having the favourite and Disap pointment as iris immediate followers, to half-way in the distance, where Tolurno gave way to Mr Cherry's colt, who failed to reach the leader, and was beaten easily at last by a couple of lengths ; a bad third. A Selling Race of 5 soya, with 25 added, for 3-yr-olds and upwards. Weight for age, with selling allowances. Win ners extra. Three-quarters of a mile. 4 subs. Mr Yardley's Mrs Nesbit, 3 yrs, Gat (in 91b extra) (.C2O) (Ward) 1 Mr Gage's Flower Safety, 4 yre, 7st 71h (Z2O), (W. Hobson) 2 Mr Mellon's Telscombe, 3 yrs, Gat 31b (420) (It. I'Anson) 3 Mr Tompkins's Corneille, aged, Bst (420) ..(T. French) 4 Betting-3 to lon Mrs Nesbit, and 10 to 1 agst any other. The favourite, after the first 200 yards, went to the front, was never after approached, and won in a canter by three lengths. Telsoombe, who headed Flower Safetyat . the stand, was so unmistakeably stopped as to 0%11 fcr the attention of the stewards, who decided that all horses trained by Mr lt. I'Amoa, and those belonging to Mr 'Mellon, should be debarred from running at this meeting, and notice of such decision is to be sent to the stewards of the Jockey Club. The winner was not sold- Flower Safety was claimed by Mt Tompkins. Grand Annual Steeplechase (Handicap) of 20 soya each, 10 ft and sif declared, with 109 added. The second saved his stake. Four miles. 42 subs, 15 of whom de clared. Mr Brandy's Flyfisher, 5 yrs, 103 t (G. Gray) 1 Mr B. J. AngF-lt's Ireley, aged, lOst 91b.. (Mr Coventry) 2 Mr Nugent's Yeller Gal, aged, lOst 101 b.... (Mr Barry) 3 The following also ran:-:lfee Nell, Medora, Portland ; Avalanche, Boll's Life, Amy, Worcester, Ocean Witch, and Ladbroke Lass. Betting —1 to 1 agst Avalanche, 6 to 1 agst Amy, 7 to I each agst Flyfisher, and Wee Nell, 10 to 1 agst Worcester, and 100 to 1 agst Ireley. Ireley made the running, with Wee Nell, Flyfisher, Medora, and Avalanche in attendance—then came Bell's Life, Portland, and Ocean Witch—the rear brought up by Medora and Yaller Gal. No alteration occurred during the first round, Ireley still going on with a clear lead, while Avalanche, who refused at the fence at the top of the hill, was left in the rear. All cleared the brook well in the se cond round, after which Flyfisher took second place, Wee Nell dropping back into fourth position, Ladbroke Lass lying third, Avalanche again refuted at the same fence, and Portland fell crossing the Swan meadows. Running round into the straight Flyfisher drew to Ireley's quarters, at the distance headed him, and went in an easy winner by 20 lengths. Worcester would have been third, but was not persevered with, and was passed by Yeller Gal—Bell's Life was fourth, and Ladbroke Lass fitth. Avalanche and the rest pulled up, and did not pass the post, the last of all being Ocean Witch. Hunt Cup Steaplechase, by subscription of 10 sova each, for horses regularly hunted with any established pack of hounds; 12st each, with penalties and allowances. Gen tlemen riders. About three miles. 13 subs. Lord Uxbridge's Marble Hill, 5 yrs, l2st 71b (in 71b ex) (Mr Edwards) 1 Mr Ivens's Sir William. Gat 131 b (in 141 b ex) Mr J. Rich) 2 Mr E. Green's Cantab, 6 yrs, 12at (Mr Coventry) 3 The following also ran :—Merrimac, Pelican, Whaley, The Prophet, The Useless Brute, Jerry, and The Don. Betting-5 to 4on Marble Hill, sto 1 agst Merrimac, and 10 to 1 agst any other. Cantab took the lead, followed by Merrimac, Pelican, Jerry, and Marble Hill. 'Useless Brute, who refused the second fence, was not persevered with. Cantab and Merri mac jumped the brook almost together, Jerry and Pelican lying well up, with Marble Hill and Sir William in the middle of their horses. Shortly afte r going over the hill Jerry fell back beaten, Whaley also giving signs of retiring. After passing the Swan meadows Marble Hill drew to the front, Sir William also joining the leaders at the turn into the straight. Lord Uxbridge's horse had the race in hand, and heading his opponent at the distance, won easily by six lengths; Cantab was a bad third, Merrimac was fourth, and Pelican fifth ; the others did not pass the post. Match, 20 soya each. Half a mile. Mr Formby's Miss Laurie Mr Annesley's black pony No besting. Won easily by 30 lengths. A Handicap Steeplechase of 5 cove each, with 50 added. Gentlemen riders. Two miles over the Steeplechase Course. 21 subs. Mr C. P. Hudson's Ballycarey, lOst 7113. . , Mr Dixon's The Old Squire, aged, list 41b.. (R. Boyce) 2 Mr Nugent's Sir Bobby, aged (11 b), lOst Sib (Mr Clear) 3 The following also ran !—Killarney, Vulture, The Don, Pan, Dauntless, Lady Lovel, and Wasp. Betting-5 to 2 agst Dauntless, 100 to 30 each agst Ballycarey and The Old Squire, and 5 to 1 agst Lady Loyal. Lady Level and Ballycarey went to the front, the for mer leading for nearly a mile, when Ballycarey took up the running, but soon resigned it to The Old Squire. In the bottom the latter gave way, and Ballycarey, again going to the tore, ran in an easy winner by three lengths. Match; 50 cove each, hft ; llst 41b each. Three miles. Mr Lawterd's Grey Skin, 5 yrs Mr Formby's Thessalian, aged NORTHAMPTON AND PYFCHLEY HUNT MEETING. M.ncii 30. Acceptances for the Earl Spencer's Plate of 100 soya added to a Handicap Sweepstakes of 15 soya each, 51t New Spencer Plato Course, straight. 62 subs, 26 o: whom paid. Age st lb Lady Clifden 6 9 4 Gemma .. 5 8 11 Bast Sheen .. 6 8 4 Gerintha .. 4 8 2 Alchymist 5 7 12 Biondella .. 5 7 12 liAndeer 6 7 10 Suburban .. a 7 10 My Mary .. 5 7 10 Queen of Spain .. 5 7 7 Flying Fish 4 7 6 Soapstone .. 4 7 5 Attraction .. .. 3 7 4 Dolphin .. 4 7 4 Lady Fanny .. 4 7 g Canace .. 4 7 3 Craton .. 4 7 3 Amelia .. .. 4 7 3 Age st lb livenhand .. 6 7 0 Nebula .. 4 7 0 Crytheia 3 6 12 Trojanus .. 4 6 11 Zara .. .. 4 6 10 Dirt Cheap .. 4 6 10 Country Maid. .. 4 610 Soumise .. 3 6 10 Audacieuse .. 3 6 4 Orphene .. 3 6 4 Vaudervelde .. 3 6 0 Tomfoolery .. 3 5 12 Junius .. .. 3 512 Weatberglaes .. 3 510 Wild Thyme .. 3 510 Lady di Vergy .. 3 5 7 l Aurora 5 7 I Templar .. 3 5 7 THE DONCATER, STEEPLECHASE. Mr. Richard Johnson, the clerk of the course, writes t 3 us, in reply to several correspondents " Serious case was not struck out to me for the Doncaster S teeple chase." THE EDITORSHIP OF THE Illustrated London News, left vacant by the death of Mr. W. J. Stewart, it now appears, has been confided to Mr. R. Acton.— Me Reader. THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, 29, Great George-street, Westminster, will be open to the public o: Easter Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, from ton to five o'clock. HANGING ON BY THE SKIRTS OF IT !—A few days after the appearance of the Emperor's "Julius Cwsar," a new drama of the same title, by D'Ennery and Mocqutrd, will ba performed, which, the authors hope, will profit by the sensation created by the book itseif.—The _Reader. RUMOURED OCCUPATION OF BLAIR CASTLE BY THE PRINCE OF WALES. —It is rumoured (writes our Perth correspondent) that his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will become the tenant of Blair Castle for some time during the summer, the Duke of Atholl having shortly to proceed to Canada to rejoin his regiment.— Lifnburgi Comrant. our DIEN Orinbir HER MAJESTY. WINDSOR CASTLE, March 1 8 . His Majesty the King of the Belgians, attended by General Count de Moerkerke and Dr. lioep! , arrived at the Castle, yesterday afternoon, from London. His Royal Highness Prince Arthur, attended b 1 Major Elphinstone, and his Royal Highness the Dake of Cambridge, attended by Colonel Tyrwhitt, also arrived. • Today is the anniversary of tha birthday of her .oval Highness the Princess Louise. The Queen, accompanied by her Royal Higlane s9 Princess Louise of Hesse, walked and drove in the grounds this morning, Their Serene Highnesses Princess Amelia and Princess Clotilde of Saxe-Coburg, and his High' ness Prince John of Glucksburg, visited the Queen , and remained to luncheon. The Hon. Lucy Kerr and the Hon. Caroline Cavendish have succeeded the Hon. Horati% Stopford and the Hon. Harriett Phipps, as Maids of Honour. The Prince and Princess of Wales. The Prince of Wales rode on horseback yesterday morning, attended by Lieut.-Colonel Keppel. The Princess of Wa.es drove oat and visited Westminster Abbey, attended by the Countess de Grey. The Prince and Princess of Wales, attended by the Countess do Grey and Lieut.-Colonel KepPe l9 went to the South Kensington Museum in lb° afternoon and visited the Muiready collection. The Prince of Wales, with Prince John of Gawk s ' burg, attended by Lieut.-Gen. Knollys, Keppel, Mr. Holzmann, and Baron Guldeneroo e, went to the Royal Institution in the evening to hear a lecture given by Professor Tnydall. THE COURT.—According to present arrangemen ts her Majesty and the royal family will remain nt Windsor Castle till about the 21st of April, when the Quee 7/ and members of the Court will remove to Osborne, wile ° they will reside for about three weeks, and afterwards re" turn to Windsor Castle for a short period. On learia W indsor the Queen will proceed to Balmoral, British Equitable Assurance Company, ANNUAL MEETING. The ordinary annual general meeting of the share on a policy holders in this company was held yesterday afterno on at the offices of the company, 47 and 48, King 'William: street, London-bridge. 'William Gover, "Esq., chairman 01 the company, presided. The minutes of the last meeting have been read an d confirmed. The MANAGING DIRECTOR read the following report : The new business of last year has been considera b l larger in amount than in any preceding year. It has 1:)e gli taken with the greatest caution, and consists of a very h i s selection of lives. The care exercised in former years in the selection of list hap again been manifested by a much lower rate of mortality than that provided for by the Company's tables. 1,583 new policies have been issued during the past yeti for assurances representing £252,015. The new an nti ' premium income thereon amounting to over £3,000. re The new lite proposals received during the last year we 2,334 for £357,025 ; 75, per cent. of which have bevel!, policies, and a large number of proposals are under Ce'' sideration by the board at the present time. igit e / The progress of the new business of the company d the triennial period just ended is shewn. by the f lowing Years. Policies issued. No. Amount. 1861 .. 1,091 .. £177,075 1862 .. 1,267 .. 2 , 0,267 1863 in .. 1,583 .. 252,015 .„ The regular crease of each year's new business will noted. £8,769 16s. 7d. have been paid in the year for des til claims and bonuses ssured under p. From the foundation of the company olicies till the present ti l ee l the total sum paid for death claims and bonuses has b £31,454 6s. 3d_, distributed over 216 policies. tisg A comparison of the three triennial periods ternsina.,oo with each division of profits made by the comps*, 111" most satisfactory results. New Policies issued. No. Amount. First 3 years 3,196 .. £507,060 Second 3 years Third 3 years Total 9 years The periodical valuation has been made by the o c ":, - , to and it appears that after setting aside an ample reeer,e-bis meet future expenses, as well as providing for every an d lit yof the company under its policies and otherwi se, a making a hill allowance for bad debts ' &c., there rer oi339 surplus as follows : From the non-participating business divisible by ` shareholders, £1,836 2s ld, and from the mutual buelrl £12,108 9s 81, available for the policyholders. It is recommended that a reversionary bonus of el cent, per annum up to the 31st day of December laA fr t o ° the date of the last division of profits as to Policies poi' participated in any previous division, and to as ahY eof cies which did not so participate from the Ist d°,7„ii, January next following the respective dates of such "eat cies, be declared on ail Policies in the Mutual Departyloe effected for the whole term of life, dated on or before 00 31st day of December, 1861, which shall be in 1(01'01 the let day of April next, and on other business ent'Ae to participate in a due proportion, to be settled by th.ace tuary, and that the remainder be carried to the next di seed of profits. This will lay the foundation f or an inere6ool dividend at future triennial periods. Also, that the s u t i4B £1,836 2s. id., being the profits on the non-partielqt, of business, be capitalised, making altogether to the cree'oo the shareholders' profits account £5,540 6s. Id., an d el' 3e. 6d. per share per annum be paid, in addition to th9 be e ginal interest, on each share on which the first call WO tully paid up. eof e Considerable ate ration has been devoted to the imp-010 ment of the internal working of the company , and 7,01 the body of agents has been largely increased , the eill'lllo of balances due by agents is smaller in proportion t° business done than at any former period. 1) 19 The agency staff contains a body of highly reBpe°oll men, distinguished by great personal energy and o f increasing influence. Wh s ile the directors have to thank a great number 000 shareholders and policyholders for valuable co-eperatift°,o extending the company's business, they think tha t m " e fiii% more should be accomplished in that direction, oens'"„i o ,, th© vast number of p( lice holders, it being most er" e s,'' tally true that every additional policy decreases the 'tor, amount of expense, yields a broader basis for a true o ", f of mortality, and increases the profits participated ill "# policyholders. g ar of The directors have made an alteration of the n 1511,11 remuneration. which they think will meet th e apP r° the. shareholders. .4 1° 5 It may be observed that the profits from the non- 4r pating business, without taking one penny from the 19 i def:i policyholders' profits, have increased the shareh°,ooi profits thus early in the history of the compavy to ao h i % of revenue of 8.1 paid per cent. on the amount up on t " ginal shares. The CHAIRMAN said it was with more than an ors feeling of pleasure he met the share and policy hehl er° o o day, because the success that had attended the eperiitl,,, of the society during the past year had been greote"o49:, any of the preceding ones. The report entered 13° .4 4 into detail that he would not occupy their time at el3l,,rer length, but he could not help referring to the great jos'aate that had taken place in their new business. It Wore mistakably the high estimation in which th e comp 1 i L l r ob li held by the public, and also spo ke most ", for the activity that had been displayed by cerned in the extension of its operations- tea hear). The periodical valuations had reetlii ; • another very pleasing fact, viz., that after ree/,.oeti, and ample allowance for bad debts, &c., there reelP(ele,! handsome surplus to divide amongst the members. hear.) The Government Annuities Bill had created;oc; interest in life assurance companies, and although the o f e l l of Mr. Gladstone was looked upon as a great displai r tl O l quence, to him (the chairman) it seemed quite ie,%l/:$ the Chancellor of the Exchequer knew but very lit °, °_ Ate life assurance matters. (Hear, hear.) He did pre upon the measure with any alarm, because thew, 00;0 E q uitable was in a position to hold its own ; and the Af° offices that would feel the effects of the measure W e ' (It'd whose foundations were not of a solid descrip tioo ' hear.) He had great pleasure in moving t he ad°F the report just read to them. A O The motion having been seconded, was cae.rie'• tI IB mously. 064,1 Resolutions were unanimously agreed to , re-o'e . 00 09 e retiring directors, with thanks for their p ast es°r;iligaire,,,:i a special vote of thanks was awarded to th e meneg'vocle°' tor for the ability and prudence with wh ich he e° the business of the office. n tied Mr. W. S. GOVER, in acknowledging the C 01704601 said ho felt extremely gratified in receiving th e ‘: t eo the meeting. He had but one object in view,al3" held to enlarge the operations and extend the benegi° by the British Equitable Life Assuranc e SocietY• Or The proceedings terminated with a cordial vote Some of our newspapers seem to b e puzzled by the connexion of M. Mar7in" esc correspondent terrible in the imagi4n'aitilown. t_l./118011-1:0.:01 police. A little knowledge of street Italians _0,0101,e hear daily cn the Lung: F A lo r l a y o er o o r the their doubts at rest. lish for " Mazzini ;" " Mazza di fi . o sort' th of e st reet I tst' t : cut down to " Mazza," meaning a bunch of floW er , e ' t e ' r. gay; \l,a z z a in n i d A,M is tia unquestionablyz ' alittl t e h n e o p se e g rs a o y noargosi:Zer:s;cl - E e Z e N u D n ß i A CASE ._TII6 rin ex o a un d ced yesterday that judgment would be g il ,. B eoß. a ra case on an early day atter the trato re' .—The Lord CO the chairs